Fischer earns coaching honor for Special Olympics

For the past 25 years, Rick Fischer of Freeport has been involved with soccer. His commitment to the game was born through his son, who started to play youth soccer. Since that time, Fischer has gone on to coach both league and high school soccer, but for the past four years his coaching has taken him in a new direction. Watching his athletes puts a smile on his face.

By Jane Lethlean

Journal Standard

By Jane Lethlean

Posted May. 9, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 9, 2012 at 8:03 AM

By Jane Lethlean

Posted May 9, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 9, 2012 at 8:03 AM

Freeport, Ill.

For the past 25 years, Rick Fischer of Freeport has been involved with soccer. His commitment to the game was born through his son, who started to play youth soccer. Since that time, Fischer has gone on to coach both league and high school soccer, but for the past four years his coaching has taken him in a new direction. Watching his athletes puts a smile on his face.

It was four years ago when Fischer first developed the Freeport soccer team for Special Olympics. The team is called the Freeport Firecrackers. As coach, Fischer said his athletes are no different than other athletes. Some play for fun. Others play to win.

This past Saturday, the Freeport Firecrackers team played at the Northwestern Illinois Special Olympics Spring Games at Harlem High School in Rockford. The Freeport team needed to win to advance to state. Even though the team will not advance, Fischer is still proud of the efforts his team exhibited.

During this competition, awards were given to Outstanding Athlete of the Year, Coach of the Year,

and Volunteer of the Year. Fischer was named Coach of the Year.

Humbled at receiving the award, Fischer had this to say, “I couldn’t have been more proud — I enjoy coaching this team so much, and then to be recognized like this for something that is so rewarding in itself, was very special.

“It’s humbling though —— to be recognized in this way, especially with so many dedicated and talented people involved with Special Olympics, was humbling,” he added.

Firecracker Team

It was four years ago that Fischer approached Malcolm Eaton Enterprises to start a Special Olympics soccer team for this area. The Freeport Park District has sponsored the team ever since. As coach Fischer said, “it’s all about the kids.” He said his team of athletes are no different from other teams he has coached.

“The kids work and play hard,” he said. “I’ll keep going — it has huge rewards for me.”

Fischer said he is thankful to the Freeport Park District for all their support for this local team of athletes. He said from day one they have coordinated all the practices and the games.

“We are really thankful for Becky Springborn and Andrea Volkers and the park district staff for all their involvement,” Fischer said. “Becky continues to not only manage the soccer team, but all of the Special Olympic Teams and activities.”

Fischer said he also has an amazing group of parents and friends who have supported this soccer team.

“You should see them when the Firecrackers score — they go nuts,” Fischer said. “But, it is not about scoring — a lot of our players may never score, but our fans recognize the small steps that our players do to improve, and they let them know — it’s inspiring and contagious.”

Page 2 of 2 -
Thankful Parent

One parent who said she is thankful for Fischer’s involvement in the Firecracker soccer team is Colleen Groves, whose son Evan plays on the team.

“Rick Fischer has done an outstanding job with our kids,” Groves said. “He has taken a bunch of individuals, many with no experience in soccer, and turned them into a team — he definitely has the patience of a saint — I’m always happy when someone will step up and volunteer so much of their time to help with Special Olympics — everyone likes to be on the winning team — it takes special people to volunteer where they are needed the most. The lessons learned at a Special Olympic event cannot be taught. They need to be experienced. Rick is a hero to his team.”

Fischer intends to keep going as coach for his team of 12 players. He is proud of each player and proud to have received the Coach of the Year award.

“The overall goals of the Freeport Firecrackers soccer team are to have fun and continue to improve,” Fischer said. “If you measure this team based on those criteria — you will see the world champions they are.”